M38a1 leaf spring brackets

bpenkala · Post by **bpenkala** » Sun Mar 17, 2013 12:06 am

My m38a1 has some odd suspension problems - one of the front shackles has been welded to the frame toward the outside of the vehicle - I am hoping I can drill or grind out the socket in the frame to get a new shackle in. Because of the poor job someone did welding, the spring was at an angle and the upper leaf wore through the brackets that hold the leaves together - has anyone seen just the brackets for sale or do I need to make my own? The brackets seem to be riveted to the bottom leaf to hold it in place, and a bolt at the top of the bracket across the upper leaf. There are three of these brackets behind the axle and one in front of the axle needing replacement. Also, the top two leaves on this spring seem to be flatter than the other three springs, while the opposite rear spring has the top two leaves bent up about an inch. It makes the vehicle sit unevenly. Does anyone sell just the top two leaves for front and rear of an M38a1?

The front springs have 12 leaves and the rear have 13 leaves. Is this typical? I have considered just getting new springs but none have this many leaves, not that I need that stiff of a suspension, but I prefer not to spend so much on all new parts (pretty soon I will have a completely new vehicle as opposed to a rebuilt one).

evanso1975 · Post by **evanso1975** » Sun Mar 17, 2013 4:00 am

The front springs have 12 leaves and the rear have 13 leaves. Is this typical?

Page 290 of the maintenance manual (TM 9-8014):
Front spring - 12 leaves
Rear spring - 13 leaves

So I would guess what you have is correct. You may be able to get the springs re-arched, rather than buying new.

Post by **wesk** » Sun Mar 17, 2013 9:34 am

Are you referring to this frame bracket?

Or this inside the frame rail bracket above the word "rubber"?

The brackets are riveted to the leaf with a single steel rivet. All the clips and hardware are listed in the M38A1 ORD 9. The illustration and index are on pages 280 & 281 and the clips are on page 286 and the rivet on 287. These pop up as NOS occasionally for sale. Record all the possible part numbers (MAT for Mather Spring, WO for Willys, & ORD for the Army numbers) and run them in google searches. It was more common for the military to replace an entire spring assembly then individual leaves or clips so the complete spring assemblies were stocked more than parts.

bpenkala · Post by **bpenkala** » Sun Mar 17, 2013 12:19 pm

Referring to the shackle attached to the rear of the spring - the one above the word "rubber". I have photos from each side of the frame and am trying to post them. At this time I have shared photos on Dropbox but have never done this so don't know how it will work.

And what has happened to the brackets holding the leaves together:

Someone please let me know if you can access the photos - if not I'll keep working on this.

If you can see my problem, please provide suggestions for repair.

Xamon · Post by **Xamon** » Sun Mar 17, 2013 1:48 pm

ouch, good luck with the welded bit, nasty stuff there.

Post by **wesk** » Sun Mar 17, 2013 4:10 pm

Brad,

When you use some of those photo host sites you must use the prepackaged transfer system for posting a photo from there to another web site. Just copying the URL may not work. I downloaded the three photos, opened a photo album in our web site for you and loaded them there then linked them to your post.

You album is at:
http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... _album.php

As for the boogered up bubba repair I see no other choice for you but to grind the weld material off until you can remove the shackle then repair the steel bushing in the frame.